So the 2018-19 season just ended? We know everyone else is already looking ahead, so we joined in.

For this way-too-early edition of the 2019-20 NHL Power Rankings, we also identified what a successful season would look like for each of the 31 teams.

How we rank: The ESPN hockey editorial staff submits polls ranking teams 1-31, and those results are tabulated to the list featured here. For this edition, we're projecting how we think the teams will be rated heading into next season, taking into account recent success and other factors, such as who could be leaving via free agency. The "previous ranking" for each team refers to the club's spot in our final pre-playoff rankings.

The Coyotes were the plucky underdogs who almost sneaked into the playoffs last spring. If they can lure any big names (Phil Kessel? Big-time UFAs?), next season could include a long-awaited return to the postseason.

New coach Ralph Krueger is tasked with changing the culture in Buffalo, and it's encouraging that Jeff Skinner re-signed for eight more years. Making the playoffs in Krueger's first season might be a stretch, though.